Powered pool blanket reel assembly

ABSTRACT

A pool blanket reel assembly is provided that includes a motor base, an idler base, a roller bar, a motor bracket, a motor, an idler bracket, an idler hub, a power supply, a switch, a remote control, and a remote control timer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/143,042, filed on Jan. 7,2009, entitled “Adjustable Pool Cover Reel.” The subject matterdisclosed in that provisional application is hereby expresslyincorporated into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND SUMMARY

The present disclosure is related to pool blanket cover reels. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure is related to a powered poolblanket reel that, through user activation, covers or uncovers aswimming pool.

Pool blankets have become a popular accessory for swimming pools. A poolblanket is a large shroud made of materials, such as polyethylene orvinyl, that selectively covers the open top of the swimming pool.Typically the blanket is rolled up onto a spool or roller to uncover theswimming pool while in use. The blanket can then unroll and cover thepool while not in use. Pool blankets are beneficial because they reduceevaporation which reduces heat loss in the pool. In addition, suchblankets may allow sunlight to penetrate to heat the surface of thewater. These blankets also keep debris such as leaves and dirt out ofthe water, thereby reducing maintenance.

The pool blanket of the present disclosure illustratively includes apool blanket that extends the width of the pool and is wound on a rollersuspended from each side of the pool. To cover the pool, the blanket isunwound and floated on the water from one end to the other. To use thepool, the roller winds the blanket up exposing the water underneath.This is a contrast to automatic pool safety covers that are built intoin-ground pools that provide a load-bearing cover over the pool.

A pool reel assembly of this disclosure illustratively includes a rollerthat is vertically adjustable between the pool and the diving board.This adjustability allows the same pool reel to be used with differentpools having a variety of widths and distances between the top of thepool and the bottom of the diving board. This configuration is usefuleven when the distance is unknown. The adjustability and height of theroller assure that the blanket will fit underneath the diving board.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes asafety control system built into the operation of the blanket reelassembly. The safety features encourage the operator to visually inspectthe pool prior to operating the blanket reel.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides apool blanket reel assembly that comprises a motor base, an idler base, aroller bar, a motor bracket, a motor, an idler bracket, an idler hub, apower supply, a switch, a remote control, and a remote control timer.The motor bracket extends from the motor base. The motor is adjustablymountable to the motor bracket. The motor bracket includes a slot withwhich the motor is selectively attachable adjacent the periphery of theslot. The idler bracket extends from the idler base. The idler hub isadjustably mountable to the idler bracket. The idler bracket includes aslot with which the idler hub is selectively attachable adjacent theperiphery of the slot. One end of the roller bar is attachable to themotor and another end is attachable to the idler hub. The roller bar issuspendable between the motor and idler bases. The motor is configuredto selectively rotate the roller bar in either clockwise orcounterclockwise directions. The roller bar is configurable to attach toa pool blanket to roll and unroll the blanket. The roller bar alsocomprises a first bar portion and second bar portion such that each ofthe bar portions are connectable to make the roller bar's lengthselectively adjustable. The motor and idler are attachable to aplurality of positions along the length of the slots in both the motorand idler brackets so the roller bar can be adjusted to a plurality ofheights above the motor and idler bases. The power supply is attached tothe motor to rotate the motor in clockwise and counterclockwisedirections. The switch has on and off positions and is in communicationwith the power supply to selectively permit or deny power to the motor.The remote control illustratively includes retract and extend button.When the switch is in the on position, the switch is configured toactivate a first timer which limits the available time a remote controlcan activate the motor to a first predetermined period of time. Duringperiods when power is permitted to be supplied to the motor, the remotecontrol is configured so that if both buttons on the remote controlbecome depressed simultaneously, power can be supplied to the motor fora second predetermined period of time. Subsequently, depressing eitherthe retract or extend button during this second predetermined period oftime will activate the motor causing it to rotate in either clockwise orcounterclockwise directions. The motor will not rotate without thesequence of the switch moved to the on position, followed by thedepressing both buttons on the remote control and then pressing eitherone of the buttons on the remote control again. The remote controlreceiver includes a remote control timer that limits activation of themotor for a third predetermined period of time; and wherein the power tothe motor is uninterrupted by the first or second predetermined periodsof time.

Further embodiments may comprise the slot in the motor bracket and inthe idler bracket each including a periphery having a plurality of holeslocated adjacent thereto on each side of the slots. The holes on eachside of the slot of the motor bracket may be configured to position themotor at different locations on the motor bracket. The holes on eachside of the slot of the idler bracket are configured to position theidler hub at different locations on the idler bracket. Fasteners canengage the holes to secure the motor on the motor bracket and the idlerhub on the idler bracket.

Additional features and advantages of the powered pool blanket reelassembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponconsideration of the following detailed descriptions exemplifying thebest mode of carrying out the powered pool blanket reel assembly aspresently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to theattached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool blanket reel assembly placed ontoa pool deck with a diving board extending therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pool blanket reel assembly of FIG. 1with the blanket material removed;

FIG. 3 is a forward elevational view of a portion of the pool blanketreel as part of progression views shown in FIGS. 3 through 6;

FIG. 4 is another forward elevational view of the portion of the poolblanket reel of FIG. 3 from the progression views of FIGS. 3 through 6showing the reel able to be further elevated above the water;

FIG. 5 is another forward elevational view of the portion of the poolblanket shown in FIG. 3 as part of the progression views of FIGS. 3through 6, further showing the pool blanket even more elevated;

FIG. 6 is another forward elevational view of the portion of the poolblanket reel shown in FIG. 4 as part of the progression views of FIGS. 3through 6, this view showing the pool blanket elevated even further thanthe prior views;

FIGS. 7 a and b are top and elevational views of the pool blanket reelassembly, respectively;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the pool blanket reel assembly;

FIG. 9 is a detailed exploded view of the drive assembly portion of thepool blanket reel assembly;

FIGS. 10 a and b are perspective and side views of the drive assembly;

FIGS. 11 a and b are additional perspective and side views of the driveassembly showing the motor located in a different position from thatshown in FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 a and b show another perspective and side view of the driveassembly with the motor positioned in still a different position fromthat shown in FIGS. 11 and 10;

FIGS. 13 a and b are perspective and side views of the drive assemblyshowing the motor in yet a different position than that shown in FIGS.10 through 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the gear motor and associated componentsof the pool blanket reel assembly;

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic of an illustrative control system foroperating the pool blanket reel assembly;

FIG. 16 is another electric schematic showing an illustrative controlsystem for operating the pool blanket reel assembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a power supply assembly;

FIG. 18 is a perspective exploded view of the power supply assembly ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an electrical schematic of the power supply assembly of FIGS.17 and 18;

FIG. 20 is a chart demonstrating the operational flow of the reelassembly;

FIG. 21 shows a key switch assembly moveable between “off,” “key,” and“on” positions;

FIG. 22 is an illustrative embodiment of a remote control; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the idler portion of the reel assemblyand in particular the manual override feature.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates embodiments of the powered pool blanket reel assembly, andsuch exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of thepowered pool blanket reel assembly in any manner.

DISCLOSURE OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to theattached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples.

A perspective view of pool blanket reel assembly 2 placed onto a pooldeck 4 illustratively at the diving board end 6 of pool 8, is shown inFIG. 1. As illustratively depicted, pool blanket assembly 2 includes apool blanket 10 shown here in the stored rolled position on roller 12.Idler assembly 14 and drive assembly 16 are placed onto pool deck 4suspending roller 12 above the water in pool 8 and below diving board18. As illustratively shown, the rolled pool blanket 10 is tuckedbetween the diving board and the water which is illustrativelyconsidered to be an out-of-the-way place for the wound pool blanket tobe stored.

A perspective view of pool blanket assembly 2 is shown in FIG. 2. Thisview shows idler and drive assemblies 14 and 16, respectively,suspending roller 12 therebetween. This view also shows roller tube 20attaching roller portions 22 and 24 together. In this illustrativeembodiment, roller 12 is a multi-piece unit, so roller portions ofvarying lengths can be attached to pool blanket assembly 2 toaccommodate covers of varying widths. Roller tube 20 is affixed toroller portions 22 and 24 via pins 26 and 28. As shown in this view,idler assembly 14 includes a housing 30 having a slot 32 allowing roller12 to be adjusted vertically in directions 34 and 36. Housing 38 ofdrive assembly 16 includes a slot (not shown) disposed in housing 38similar to slot 32 of housing 30.

Progression elevation views of a portion of pool blanket assembly 2installed on pool 8 are shown in FIGS. 3-6. These views show how thesame pool blanket 10 can be used in a variety of pool configurationshaving different diving board heights. The view shown in FIG. 3, forexample, shows diving board 18 in a relatively low position indicated byreference numeral 40. This requires roller 12 to suspend pool blanket 10in a relatively close proximity to pool 8. Drive assembly 16 that isplaced onto pool deck 4 positions roller 12 at a relatively low positionas indicated by reference numeral 42.

As shown in FIG. 4, when diving board 18 is positioned at a higherlocation 44 relative to the distance indicated by reference numeral 40of FIG. 3, ultimately pool blanket 10 on roller 12 may be positionedhigher relative to the distance indicated by reference numeral 42, alsoof FIG. 11 n other words, the same pool blanket assembly 2 can beadjusted to a different height relative to the pool. In this example theposition shown in FIG. 4 is higher with respect to pool deck 4 and thatshown in FIG. 3.

As similarly shown in FIG. 5, the relative distance of diving board 18,as indicated by reference numeral 48, is a greater distance from pooldeck 4 than the distance indicated by reference numeral 44 in FIG. 4.This allows distance 50 to be greater than that indicated by referencenumeral 46 in FIG. 4, as well. As a consequence, roller 12 can bepositioned farther above pool 8.

The elevation view shown in FIG. 6, similar to FIGS. 3-5, again showshow when diving board 18 is located a greater distance 52 above pooldeck 4 than that shown by reference numeral 48 in FIG. 5, roller 12similarly sits at a greater height, as indicated by reference numeral54, than the height indicated by reference numeral 50 in FIG. 5.

As demonstrated by these figures, the height of roller 12 with poolblanket 10 can be adjusted as needed. This flexibility in pool blanketassembly 2 allows it to accommodate the variety of pool and diving boardconfigurations.

Top and elevation views of pool blanket assembly 2 are shown in FIGS. 7a and b. For illustrative purposes, pool blanket 10 is removed. The topview in FIG. 7 a shows idler assembly 14 and drive assembly 16 withroller 12 spanning therebetween. In this illustrative embodiment, idlerassembly 14 includes a base 60 that supports housing 30 for receivingone end of roller 12. Similarly, drive assembly 16 includes a base 62that is placed onto the pool deck and supports the drive assembly forreceiving the other end 66 of roller 12. As shown in the elevation viewof FIG. 7 b, the distance indicated by reference numeral 68 is dependenton the width of the pool, and roller tube 20 and roller portions 22 and24 can be dimensioned accordingly. Also the height indicated byreference numeral 70 is aligned with roller 12 which is adjustable indirections 34 and 36.

An exploded view of pool blanket assembly 2 is shown in FIG. 8. Thisview shows idler assembly 14 including a bracket 76 extending upwardlytherefrom. A longitudinally-extending opening or slot 78 is disposedthrough the bracket 76. In this illustrative embodiment, end 65 ofroller portion 22 extends onto idler hub 80 which itself engages mount82. Illustratively, bushings 84 can be disposed about collar 86extending from idler hub 80 to assist in better rotation of roller 12.The position within slot 78 that mounts 82 is fastened to determine theheight of roller 12. Housing 30 includes slot 32, as previouslydiscussed, to accommodate the vertical positioning of roller 12.

Drive assembly 16 includes base 62 with its own bracket assembly 90extending therefrom. In this illustrative embodiment, a slot 92 isdisposed through a bracket, similar to slot 78 of bracket 76 from idlerassembly 14. Roller 12 can position anywhere along the length of slot 92to affect the height of roller 12 above the pool. In this illustrativeembodiment, a gear motor 94 attaches to a motor mount 96 that attachesto bracket assembly 90. Roller portion 24 attaches to drive hub 98 viafastener 100. Collar 102 attaches to gear motor 94 via pin 104 toconnect gear motor 94 to roller 12.

A detailed exploded view of drive assembly 16 is shown in FIG. 9. Thisperspective view shows gear motor 94 attaching to motor mount 96. Anopening 106 in motor mount 96 allows drive rod 108 extending from gearmotor 94 to extend therethrough. A bushing 110 extends into bore 106. Aspreviously discussed, drive hub 98 fastens to roller portion 24 viafastener 100 and illustratively nut 112. Hub mount pin 104 disposesthrough collar 102 that engages drive rod 108. Hub mount pin 104connects drive hub 98 to gear motor 94 so as the motor spins, so toodoes roller 12.

To position motor mount 96 to a desired height above the pool, it isattached to bracket face 120 via holes 122 disposed about the peripheryof slot 92. Mounting bolts 126 illustratively dispose through starwashers 124 and extend through holes 122. Holes 122 extend the peripheryof each side of slot 92 in order to allow motor mount and, thus, roller12 to be raised or lowered as desired. It is contemplated that theposition of these holes 122 corresponds to holes 85 on the periphery ofopening 78 of bracket 76 on idler assembly 14. (See FIG. 8.)

The perspective, end, and side views of drive assembly 16 are shown inthe progressive views of FIGS. 10-13. The views of drive assembly 16 inFIGS. 10 a and b, for example, show motor mount 96 attached to the lowermost holes 122 disposed about slot 92 via bolts 126. Hub drive 98, andconsequently roller 12, is in the lower most position similar to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 3. Similarly, as motor mount 96 is attachedto holes 122 slightly higher about the periphery of slot 92, as shown inFIGS. 11 a and b, drive hub 98 is also raised, as further demonstratedin FIG. 4. Consistently, FIGS. 12 a and b show motor mount 96 raisedeven farther up along slot 92 raising drive hub 98 and roller 12 higher,similar to that shown in FIG. 5. Lastly, FIGS. 13 a and b show motormount 96 attached to the upper most holes 122 along the periphery ofslot 92. This results in roller 12 being located at its upper mostextent, as also shown in FIG. 6.

An exploded view of gear motor 94 and associated components are shown inFIG. 14. Gear motor 94 is shown attaching to motor mount 96 via bolts126 illustratively disposed through star washers 124. (See also FIG. 9.)This view also shows how drive rod 108 extending from gear motor 94disposes through bore 106 of drive mount plate 96. Drive rod 108 is alsoinserted into a bore 134 of collar 102. Hub mount pin or dowel 104 isinserted into an opening 136 on collar 102 and extends through acorresponding hole 138 on drive rod 108. This connection causes drivehub 98 to rotate as drive rod 108 rotates. Of course as discussedpreviously, as drive hub 98 rotates, roller 12 also rotates.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a block diagram and electrical schematic of anillustrative control system for operating pool blanket assembly 2. Asparticularly shown in FIG. 15, an illustrative embodiment includes aremote control 150 wherein depressing signal button 152 transmits asignal 161 to receiver 154 through antenna 156. In this illustrativeembodiment the system is configured so button 152 only needs to bedepressed momentarily to roll up the blanket. There is no requirementthat button 152 be continuously depressed to completely roll up theblanket. In alternative embodiments, it is possible to use standardsystems that require a continuous signal to roll and unroll the blanket.When signal 161 is received by receiver 154, it is transmitted to arelay 162 that further transmits signal 161 to gear motor 94. The resultis motor 94 turning roller 12. Without the need to continually depressbutton 152, an operator is free to pull on the blanket or adjust itwhile being rolled up.

Conversely, to roll out the blanket, button 160 can be momentarilydepressed. In this instance, an extension signal 159 is sent to antenna156 from remote control 150 and into receiver 154 which sends signal 159to relay 158. Unroll signal 159 is then transmitted to gear motor 94 toinitiate the roll up process. Gear motor 94 then rotates in the oppositedirection unrolling the blanket.

An illustrative electrical schematic in FIG. 16 shows a more detailedview of this system. Receiver 154 receives power from power supply 170which houses a transformer 172 that receives power from a central powersupply (not shown) through a power plug and cord 174. Power fromtransformer 172 is then sent to the receiver 154 via wires 176 and 178.When receiver 154 receives a signal from remote control 150, ittransmits unroll signal 159 through line 180 which goes back throughpower supply 170 and out through line 182, relay 158, line 184, anillustrative plug connector 186, line 188, and into gear motor 94 tounroll the blanket. Conversely, upon receipt of a roll up signal,receiver sends signal 161 (see FIG. 15) through line 190 whichillustratively passes through power supply 170, line 192, relay 162,line 194, plug connector 196, line 198, and into gear motor 94 to beginrolling up the blanket through roller 12. (See FIG. 1.)

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes asafety control system built into the operation of the blanket reelassembly. In an illustrative embodiment, the reel assembly includes apower system located within a reasonable proximity of the pool. Thus,even though a remote control is used, in order to get the remote controlto operate the reel, a switch on the power supply is activated manually.Because the switch is in proximity to the pool, an operator can visuallyinspect the pool to confirm no one is still in the pool beforeactivating the reel. Further, and in an illustrative embodiment, byswitching the power supply “on,” a timer limits the amount of timewithin which to activate the remote control to move the reel. Forexample, by manually activating the switch to the “on” position, thesystem will provide power for illustratively five minutes beforeshutting off. Within that time the remote control needs to be activated.If not, the power will shut off requiring the operator to confirm no oneis in the pool again before reactivating the blanket. It is appreciatedthat the time interval before shutting off power to the reel can beadjusted. Activating the remote control illustratively restarts thetimer sequence. A new time limit to actually activate the motor begins.The motor is activated by illustratively activating one of the buttonson the remote again. The motor will continue to be activated for apredetermined amount of time (illustratively 60 seconds). The first twotimed sessions are canceled allowing the motor to be activated for thefull predetermined length of time. This last period of time, however,can be cut short if the button on the remote is depressed again.Otherwise it will continue for the 60 second predetermined period oftime.

In an another illustrative embodiment, an off switch, which may or maynot be part of the same switching system as the “on” switch, can be usedto easily and manually shut the system down if needed. As anotherillustrative embodiment, the remote control itself may be equipped withmultiple buttons or similar activators that require simultaneousactivation in order to move the reel. For example, the remote controlmay include two buttons, both of which must be depressed simultaneouslyin order to activate the reel. This feature may make it difficult foryounger persons to activate the reel.

A perspective view of a power supply assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 17.Supply 200 includes casing 202 configured to fasten to another structuresuch as a wall or post. A cover 204 shrouds the internal structureswithin casing 202. Extending from casing 202 includes a pigtail output206 that leads or connects to the motor 94 for supplying power thereto.A power cord 208 also extends from casing 202 and includes a plug 210configured to insert into a power outlet to supply power to power supplyassembly 200. An illustrative key switch 212 extends from casing 202 tocontrol functionality of the power supply. In an illustrativeembodiment, the key switch can allow or cut off power supplied from cord208 from operating motor 94.

An exploded view of power supply assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 18. Inaddition to structures previously discussed with respect to FIG. 17,this view shows internal components such as a transformer 214, remotecontrol kit 216, relays 218, rectifier 220, filter 222 along with avariety of fasteners 224, washers 226, and nuts 228 to hold thecomponents in the assembly together. Also shown are collars 230 thatcouple cords 206 and 208 to casing 202.

An electrical schematic showing the operation of parts by assembly 200is shown in FIG. 19. Key switch 212 is illustratively a three positionspring to center switch. Turning switch 212 to the “on” position sends a12 VDC signal to the remote control receiver 216 to activate the fiveminute timer. After five minutes the remote control receiver willautomatically shut off. Turning the key 212 to the off position sends a12 VDC signal to the remote control receiver 216 that turns off theremote and cancels the timer.

Power cord 208, line filter 222, transformer 214, rectifier 220, andcapacitors and resistors 221 take conventional 120 VAC and convert itinto 12 VDC. Relays 218 are controlled by the remote control kit 216 torun reel motor 94. In an illustrative embodiment, a thermal breaker 217will cut power to the motor if an overload occurs.

The chart in FIG. 20 shows the operational flow of power supply 200using remote control 150 (see also FIG. 15). As shown at 250, the firststep is turning the key to the “on,” position. This starts a softwaretimer that enables remote control 150 to operate for a predeterminedperiod of time. In an illustrative embodiment, that period of time isabout five minutes. With the remote receiver 216 activated,simultaneously pushing extension and retraction buttons on the remotecontrol for a predetermined period of time (illustratively two seconds),as indicated at reference numeral 254, enables the remote control tobecome active for a predetermined period of time (illustratively fiveminutes). As a safety feature, at the end of any of these time periods,failure to accomplish either the next step or moving the pool blanketwill ultimately result in system shut down requiring the operator tostart over. This lessens the time the operator will be away from thepool. In fact, these operations assist in keeping the operator inproximity of the pool area to confirm no one is in the water before andduring operation of reel assembly 2.

After the remote control 150 has been activated, the operator has thechoice to either push the retract button to start motor 94 to uncoverthe pool, or, conversely, push the extension button to start motor 94 inthe opposite direction to cover the pool. The motor will continue for,illustratively, a predetermined period of time to either cover oruncover the pool. In an illustrative embodiment, that time may be about60 seconds. It is appreciated that this time may change, depending onthe needs of the reel assembly. As indicated by reference numerals 264and 266, pushing either the retraction or extension buttons again duringthat 60 second period will cause the motor to stop. If either button isnot pressed a second time to stop the motor as indicated by referencenumeral 267, the motor will continue to run until the 60 second timertimes out. This timer will essentially cancel the prior timers. At theend of the process, the key adjacent the power supply can be moved tothe “off” position as indicated by reference numeral 268. This can bedone at any time during the retraction or extension process. Indeed,this can serve as a master shut off if needed. If the power supply isnot manually turned “off,” the remote will remain operational until thefive minute timer times out or after the predetermined time allotted forthe motor to run.

An illustrative embodiment of key switch 212 is shown in FIG. 21. With akey inserted, rotating it clockwise as indicated by reference numeral280 activates the remote control receiver 216. Conversely, rotating thekey in the opposite direction 282 deactivates the remote controlreceiver 216. It is appreciated that other types of buttons or switchescan be used. It is notable that whatever switch is used it has a safetyfeature associated with it to limit access to the ability to activatethe remote control receiver 216.

A view of remote control or fob 150 is shown in FIG. 22. This view showsthe extend and retract buttons 160 and 152, respectively, on remotecontrol 150. It is appreciated that other safety mechanisms can be usedto limit unauthorized use of the reel assembly, particularly bychildren. In this embodiment, the remote control is the only mechanismto activate the motor. Alternate embodiments, however, may include aprogrammable code system.

A perspective view of idler assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 23. This viewdemonstrates an illustrative embodiment of a manual override feature toreel assembly 2. If a loss of power to the motor occurs or the motorbreaks, the blanket can still be wound or unwound as desired. Extendingfrom bushing 84 of idler assembly 14 is hex head bolt 594. This hex headbolt is attached to roller portion 22 so both rotate in concert. Under aloss of power, a wrench can be used to grip and rotate nut 594, therebyrotating roller portion 22.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the present disclosure has beendescribed with reference to particular means, materials, andembodiments, from the foregoing description one skilled in the art caneasily ascertain the essential characteristics of the invention andvarious changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various usesand characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention set forth in the claims that follow.

1. A powered pool blanket reel system comprising: a pool blanket reelassembly which comprises: a motor base; an idler base; a roller bar; amotor bracket extending from the motor base; a motor adjustablymountable to the motor bracket; wherein the motor bracket includes aslot with which the motor is selectively attachable adjacent theperiphery of the slot; an idler bracket extending from the idler base;an idler hub adjustably mountable to the idler bracket; wherein theidler bracket includes a slot with which the idler hub is selectivelyattachable adjacent the periphery of the slot; wherein one end of theroller bar is attachable to the motor and another end attachable to theidler hub; wherein the roller bar is suspendable between the motor andidler bases; wherein the motor is configured to selectively rotate theroller bar in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions; whereinthe roller bar is configurable to attach to a pool blanket to roll andunroll the blanket; wherein the roller bar comprises a first bar portionand second bar portion; wherein each of the bar portions are connectableto make the roller bar's length selectively adjustable; wherein themotor and idler are attachable to a plurality of positions along thelength of the slots in both the motor and idler brackets so the rollerbar can be adjusted to a plurality of heights above the motor and idlerbases; a power supply attached to a remote control receiver and themotor to rotate the motor in the clockwise and counterclockwisedirections; a switch having on and off positions, the switch being incommunication with the remote control receiver to selectively permit ordeny power to the motor; a remote control having a retract button and anextend button; wherein when the switch is in the on position, the switchis configured to activate a first timer which limits the available timea remote control can activate the motor to a first predetermined periodof time; wherein during periods when power is permitted to be suppliedto the motor, the remote control is configured so that if both buttonson the remote control become depressed simultaneously, power can besupplied to the motor for a second predetermined period of time; whereindepressing either the retract or extend button during this secondpredetermined period of time will activate the motor causing it torotate in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions; wherein themotor will not rotate without the sequence of the switch moved to the onposition, followed by the depressing both buttons on the remote controland then pressing either one of the buttons on the remote control again;and wherein the remote control receiver includes a remote control timerthat limits activation of the motor for a third predetermined period oftime; and wherein the power to the motor is uninterrupted by the firstor second predetermined periods of time.
 2. The powered pool blanketreel system of claim 1, wherein the slot in the motor bracket and in theidler bracket each includes a periphery having a plurality of holeslocated adjacent thereto on each side of the slots; wherein the holes oneach side of the slot of the motor bracket are configured to positionthe motor at different locations on the motor bracket; wherein the holeson each side of the slot of the idler bracket are configured to positionthe idler hub at different locations on the idler bracket; and whereinfasteners can engage the holes to secure the motor on the motor bracketand the idler hub on the idler bracket.